There are moments in New York City where the past and present don’t just meet, they dance. When Cara and Jake approached me about their engagement session, they wanted a location that felt like a love letter to NYC history, something that would mirror the high stakes glamour of their upcoming New Year’s Eve wedding at Sea Cliff Manor. We found the perfect stage at Nine Orchard, the Lower East Side’s most stunningly preserved architectural landmark.
Located on the iconic corner of Orchard and Canal, Nine Orchard is a meticulously preserved gem. Once the Jarmulowsky Bank, this Lower East Side landmark has been transformed into a temple of Old World luxury, making it the ultimate backdrop for a Black Tie editorial session.
We began our day in the East Room, a space that feels less like a hotel and more like a private residence from a bygone era. For photographers, this room is a masterclass in texture, with the deep teal honeycomb tiling and rich brickwork to the warm, flickering fireplace and oversized floral art.
Cara’s choice of a one shoulder black sequin gown was a masterclass in evening style. As the light from the hearth caught the shimmer of her dress, we captured those quiet, "unposed" moments & the shared laughs on a velvet sofa and the genuine joy that happens when a couple simply enjoys each other’s company in a beautiful room.
Pro-Tip for Couples: The East Room is ideal for cinematic silhouettes and cozy, authentic interactions that feel like a private date rather than a photoshoot.
Grandeur in The Swan Room
As the morning transitioned, we moved into the Swan Room, arguably one of the most breathtaking spaces in Manhattan. Formerly the bank’s main telling hall, the room is defined by its soaring 1912 vaulted ceilings and meticulous stone detailing.
The energy here is "Grand Central" meets "Gilded Age." We arrived just as the bar opened for brunch, watching the mixologists craft cocktails with surgical precision. Over a classic Martini with olives and an Old Fashioned, Cara and Jake leaned into the grand scale of the marble counters and the iconic stone clock. There is something undeniably "New York" about wearing a tuxedo in a room built of marble and history.
A Chinatown Surprise: Pell Street & Dimes Square Vibes
To balance the formal elegance of the hotel, we stepped out onto Pell Street in the heart of Chinatown. The beauty of a Lower East Side engagement session is the proximity to these vibrant, narrow streets and the trendy "Dimes Square" energy.
By pure New York luck, we stumbled upon a Lunar New Year parade. The streets were alive with the sounds of celebration and the traditional blessings of local businesses. Seeing a couple dressed in Black Tie attire amidst the red lanterns and the parade's swirl was a reminder of why I love shooting in this city, the most amazing vibes that find you.
Planning your NYC or Long Island Wedding?
Whether you are looking for an editorial session in the Lower East Side or planning a grand celebration at Sea Cliff Manor, I would love to tell your story and capture the "amazing vibes" of your day.